ROY, BROOKS LEAD 2006 HALL OF FAME CLASS

TORONTO -- Jim Gregory, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, announced that Patrick Roy and Terrance 'Dick' Duff have been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Player Category. In the Builder Category, former coach Herbert Brooks and NHL Chairman of the Board, Harley Hotchkiss were elected. The vote took place today at the annual meeting of the Selection Committee in Toronto.

"The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these four outstanding individuals as Honoured Members," said Jim Gregory. "Their contributions to the game of hockey are well documented and their election to the Hockey Hall of Fame is richly deserved."

Born 70 years ago in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Dick Duff was recruited as a teenager to play at Toronto's prestigious St. Michael's College. From St. Mike's, he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs full-time in 1955-56 as a left winger at the age of 19. Dick played eight seasons with the Maple Leafs and was a member of Stanley Cup winning teams in 1962 and 1963. After a brief stop in New York, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in December 1964 and was part of four more Cup winning teams -- in 1965, 1966, 1968 and 1969. He concluded his career with the Buffalo Sabres in 1972 after playing in over 1,000 NHL games and five 20-goal scoring regular seasons.

"I'm very happy to be selected, and it is extra special for me given that today is my mother's birthday -- if she were still alive she would have been 101," said Duff. "I'm happy for all of the guys that played in and around Kirkland Lake and appreciate my teammates in the NHL who taught me how to win at the highest level of the game."

Born on October 5th, 1965 in Quebec City, Patrick Roy's accomplishments are well chronicled. A third-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1984 Entry Draft, he joined the Canadiens full-time in 1985-86, and that season was named to the NHL's All Rookie team. He went on to win two Stanley Cup championships in his 11 seasons in Montreal before being traded to Colorado in December 1995. In Colorado, Patrick continued his winning ways, earning two more Stanley Cup championships before retiring in 2003. A three-time Conn Smythe and Vezina trophy winner, he is the only goalie in NHL history to win over 200 regular season games with two different teams.

"I'm very fortunate to receive this honour," said Roy. "It brings you back to thinking about your career and the great teammates and tremendous support I have received from my family over the years."

In the Builder Category, Herbert Brooks and Harley Hotchkiss were elected.

Herb Brooks' playing career included four seasons with the University of Minnesota Gophers between 1955-59. He was a member of the U.S. National Team during two Olympic Games and during five World Championships, but is best known for his contributions as a coach. Herb coached at his alma mater and then went on to spearhead the Miracle On Ice as coach of the gold medal-winning Team USA at the 1980 Winter Olympics He was head coach of the New York Rangers from 1981 -- 1985 and continued his NHL coaching career with the Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Herb Brooks died tragically in a single car accident on August 11, 2003 in Forest Lake, Minnesota.

"I was not anticipating this honour," said his wife, Patti Brooks. "Our family has been overwhelmed with the recognition that Herb has received and we are very proud of his accomplishments. I can't wait to tell my kids."

Harley Hotchkiss was born in tobacco country in Tillsonburg, Ontario and joined the Michigan State Spartans in 1950. In 1980, he was part of the group that brought the Flames to Calgary from Atlanta. The Flames prospered in Calgary and he was instrumental in bringing the 1988 Winter Olympics to that city. Hotchkiss has served as the Chairman of the NHL's Board of Governors for the past 10 years.

"As a farm boy growing up in Southern Ontario with hockey as a key part of my life, this is truly a very special honour," said Hotchkiss. "I have certainly enjoyed the 26 years that I have been part of the NHL and am very humbled to be selected."

The 2006 Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 13th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. For more information regarding the 2006 Induction Weekend/Celebration, visit www.hhof.com.